Karen Erickson on the importance of family and 2nd chances
What do author Karen Erickson, whose Jane's Gift is out now from Entangled Publishing, and the Griswolds have in common? Read on to find out.
Karen: It's important to be surrounded by your loved ones during the holidays, don't you agree? I mean, after all, that's what Christmas is all about. We know not everyone's family is perfect, though. I know mine is much closer to the Griswolds in the movie Christmas Vacation, and I'm guessing the majority of you feel the same way. Hence, the reason the movie is so dang popular even after all these years.
But another movie I love that's centered around the holidays and beyond is The Family Man, starring Nicolas Cage. His character, Jack Campbell, wakes up on Christmas morning to discover he's not a high-powered investment broker with a hot girlfriend like he thought, but a married father of two who manages a tire shop in Jersey. And he's not really happy about it, either.
It's a movie about seeing what could've been — since he ends up married to his college sweetheart in his "new" life — and realizing that just because you have money and success doesn't mean you have true happiness. Happiness comes from within, and those who surround you and support you. I know I wouldn't be where I am today without the support of my family and friends. They're what keep me going.
The Family Man is also about second chances, which is what my recent holiday book, Jane's Gift, is all about as well. After suffering a house fire, Jane looks at her life as an opportunity to have that second chance and really live it to the fullest, both for herself and her children. Of course, she doesn't expect to fall in love along the way, but that's just an added bonus …
I hope everyone who celebrates the holiday has an amazing Christmas with their families, even if they secretly (or not so secretly *grins*) drive you crazy. What would the season be without those loved ones, right?
Here's the blurb for Jane's Gift:
A fire captain afraid of commitment. A widow afraid of fire. Can the holidays bring them together?
A devastating house fire cost Jane Clark nearly everything: her husband, her confidence, and her looks, with the physical scars marbling her body. Now, two years later, she's living and healing back in her childhood hometown of Lone Pine Lake. The upcoming holidays are the perfect opportunity to bring some Christmas cheer into her young children's lives, starting with a visit to the firehouse, where her brother's best friend has offered to help quell their residual fears.
Lone Pine's resident playboy, fire captain Christian Nelson is happy with his single-guy lifestyle. He's an everyday local hero, so he's never wanting for attention around the holidays. But when Jane Clark shows up, Chris is immediately drawn to the beautiful widow -- even though kids and commitment have never been his style.
Despite her brother's warnings about his friend's playboy status and dangerous occupation, Jane can't help but fall for the gorgeous fire captain. The holidays are a time of new beginnings, but can two scarred people find the strength to let go of their pasts to live in the present, when a lifetime together might be the sweetest gift of all?
Happy Holidays!
To find out more about Karen and her books, you can visit her website. You can also connect with her on Facebook and Twitter (@karenerickson).